Kirk,
I know that we like to use the "get thee to a comprehensive cancer center" mantra and I use it myself, but I do take the time to research whether a person is actually already at one and not further complicate their fear and confusion. Clarion Health partners is part of a "teaching cancer hospital program" with the American College of Surgeons. They have a partnership with IU which is listed in the NCI site as a "cancer center".

Mellay, I am impressed with your self advocacy and knowledge, I know from personal experience that the more knowledgeable a patient the better the survival statistics and I also read it in Lance Armstrongs book this morning (p97) "Every Second Counts".

The following is a link to the NCI cancer center description and how that differs from a comprehensive cancer center. http://www3.cancer.gov/cancercenters/description.html

Gary Allsebrook
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Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
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"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)